S.C. 170 widening under way

Jessicah Peters/Bluffton Today Caution cones line the road across from Sun City's gate on S.C. 170. Drivers are to proceed with caution.

The S.C. 170 widening project is well under way. Traffic on the roadway near the Buckwalter Parkway intersection notes the rorange barrels and downed trees. Kathy Nelson/Bluffton Today

The trees are coming down along S.C. 170 in anticipation of the road's widening. In front of Mill Creek orange fencing marks the affected area. Kathy Nelson/Bluffton Today

With a break from the rain, contractors began clearing trees along the S.C. 170 widening route last week.

In the weeks ahead, the greens will continued to be cleared and the land will be flattened. The clearing of trees is necessary in order to create two southbound lanes, said Joy Nelson, public information officer for Beaufort County.

She also said motorists can also expect fewer potholes in the next month.

“We’ve had a lot of complaints about the potholes and in the next few weeks drivers can expect to see ‘full depth patching’ to kind of patch the rough areas before the final full cover at end of the project,” Nelson said.

The project was given an 18-month timeline at a cost of $31 million. Nelson speculates the project to be completed by spring of 2014.

The Beaufort County Council awarded design and construction contracts to widen 4.5 miles between S.C. 46 and U.S. 278 from two to four lanes. The divided roadway will include 10-foot pathways for pedestrian and bicycle use.

The county received $25 million from the state Department of Transportation’s Infrastructure Bank for the project.

The widening of the roadway will alleviate congestion coming from the Bluffton Parkway. When completed, Nelson said the road could become an evacuation route because it will be an easier access to U.S. 278 and S.C. 46 from the parkway.

“It’s going to be a painful 12 months, but motorists just have to be patient,” she said. “It is going to make for a nicer and easier drive.”

Last month, the speed limit on S.C. 170 changed to 45 mph from Sgt. William Jasper Boulevard to the S.C. 46 traffic circle until the project is complete.

This speed limit will stay the same in the current 35 mph zones.

Sun City resident and AARP Driver Safety instructor, Joyce Tartow said, “Continually be on the alert and proceed with caution at all times, whatever the posted speed limit may be. Simply know you have to slow down in that area because there are people involved in the reconstructing on both sides of the highway.”

Project workers, equipment, traffic control signs, as well as all message board information will be present until the project’s completion.

“Having patience and caution at all times will be the rule of thumb for a very long time,” Tartow said.

Thomas & Hutton of Savannah received $217,000 for the project’s design while Cleland Site Prep of Ridgeland received nearly $15 million for construction.